In the 74th minute, Ronaldo received the ball at the left penalty area’s edge, passing it to Otavio before making a decisive run inside. Otavio adeptly returned the ball to Al Nassr’s captain, breaking the offside trap.

 

In a swift, one-touch move, Ronaldo confidently slotted the ball into the far corner, elevating the score to 4-1. Although Ronaldo initially contemplated a celebratory jump and twirl, he opted to run and embrace his teammates upon witnessing the reserve players rushing towards the corner to share in the joy.

 

Throughout the year, Ronaldo has showcased an exceptional performance, participating in 56 matches, scoring 50 goals, and providing 14 assists. This prolific display places him atop the 2023 scoring list, edging out Harry Kane and Erling Haaland by one goal. With 40 goals and 12 assists in 47 matches for Al Nassr, complemented by additional achievements with Portugal, the 38-year-old superstar’s year has been nothing short of extraordinary.

 

Notably, Ronaldo’s 50-goal milestone in 2023 marks the first time since 2017, when he achieved this feat seven consecutive years from 2011 to 2017. His personal best remains at 69 goals in 2013 for Real Madrid and the national team. CR7’s latest achievement also propels his career goal tally to an unprecedented 869, securing his place in football history.

 

In a symbolic gesture, moments after scoring, Ronaldo pointed to his ear, responding to Al Shabab fans. Faced with chants of Lionel Messi’s name after missed opportunities, the Al Nassr captain motioned for the home audience to amplify their support. The longstanding rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi, spanning approximately 15 years, has been characterized by their shared dominance in winning the Golden Ball. Messi, holding the record with 91 goals in 2012, adds another layer to this historic football narrative.